Pilates is a deep total body conditioning exercise program that when done mindfully, connects the body to the mind to bring about an intelligent body. An intelligent body knows how to hold up itself without much effort. An intelligent body knows how to perform any activity with ease and grace effectively and efficiently.

Because of its result orientated success, it has become very popular. Basically for the simple reason that it works!

For many people, feeling pain in certain areas of the body including the neck, shoulder, back, and knees, is a recurring problem yet most don't find the time to do something about it. Mostly, people would just wait for the pain to subside or "disappear" eventually. But even if pain does go away, it will come back if nothing significant is done to eliminate it.

Here are some reasons why Pilates is different:

"Thinking Pilates is Not About Specifics"

To do things correctly, it has to be specific. How can you score a goal if you do not aim at the right place? A lot of people who engage in doing Pilates do not even bother to learn what the exercises really mean. The fundamentals are important elements of Pilates. Understanding these basics makes doing Pilates easier and more meaningful. There is a difference between standard Pilates exercises and exercises that primarily focus on pain relief.

Pilates standard exercises is much similar to following directions from a guide manual or training video in which all the series of movements are done according to how they were presented. Specific Pilates pain relief exercises aims at healing you of your pain particular to that area. Choose to work with a Pilates instructor that specializes in pain relief to get better results.

Pilates pain relief exercises is all about the specific details. These specific types of exercises target exact angles to treat certain affected areas. It could involve the use of specially designed soft apparatus such as spiky balls. When one is suffering pain in the neck or shoulder area, there's a specific series of exercises for that. When one is having pain in the lower back, the exercises selected for relief of lower back pain needs to be effective. It is not a one size fits all. It is important to understand that each case is unique and the difference lies in the targeted angles and areas.

"What is Your Weak Link?"

Unlike other exercises, Pilates is different as it puts a great deal of attention to deep connection. The body and the mind working together - bringing great awareness to how you feel. While doing Pilates, you need to breathe with deep focus. If you connect well, your breath is in sync with your movements. Harnessing the mind power can do more things than one can imagine including healing and strengthening of the body.

Pilates focuses on the weak links of the body. Instead of always strengthening the superficial muscles like the biceps, it focuses on the deeper muscles like underarms muscles groups - muscles close to the armpits. Strengthening the serratus anterior muscles is better than trying to engage the upper trapezius group. This group of muscles has the tendency to tense the upper neck and shoulders leading to chronic neck and shoulder pain.

Pilates also teaches subtle engagement of the core muscles. It is important because the core is where the overall foundation of the body is based. Essentially all parts of the body are linked to it. It is the foundation of our strength. Engaging the core means we have the ability to use the body effectively and efficiently.